Study Discusses the Scoring Benefits of Walking when you Golf
The study discussed previously on the Physical Benefits page, was also used to measure the scoring tendencies of a golfer under four conditions:
1) Carrying a bag
2) Pushing a cart
3) Using a caddie
4) Riding in a motorized cart.
In terms of scoring, Wolkodoff found that over a 9 hole round pushing a cart led to better scoring than using a caddy, riding in a cart, or carrying a bag.
The average scores over 9 holes under each condition were:
1) Pushing a cart – 40
2) Playing with a caddie – 42
3) Riding in a cart – 43
4) Carrying a bag – 45
Wolkodoff believes that the study offers proof that there could be a scoring benefit to walking when you golf, that the outweighs any advantage a golfer may get from resting while riding in a cart.
The walking golfer likely benefits, on a scoring basis, from staying warm and loose throughout the round, from being able to play a shot before reaching his ball, and from the rhythm that is only achieved through constant motion throughout the round.
It is interesting to note, however, that carrying a bag did contribute to higher scores on average than the other methods of playing. Clearly, the act of picking up your bag, putting it on, then taking it off and setting down, creates increased muscle fatigue over the course of a round.
So if you enjoy carrying a bag when you golf, as the majority of golfers do, then it is a good idea to make sure you are participating in activities off the course that will help strengthen your upper and lower body to minimize the extra fatigue that your body must endure.
Furthermore, as walking golfers age, it may be a good idea to consider buying a push cart because it will eliminate the added stress on your body that comes from carrying a bag for eighteen holes. The new push carts are certainly more efficient than the old pull carts, while nothing will be easier on your body than using an electronic push cart.